Inquiry decides Osney hydro scheme is safe

AN INVESTIGATION has been carried out after concerns were raised about health and safety at the site of a hydro scheme on Osney Island, West Oxford.

But the Environment Agency yesterday ruled the site at Osney Lock – where workers are building an electricity-generating turbine – safe.

The investigation related to a bridge crossing one of the weirs near the lock and was carried out after an EA employee raised concerns.

An agency spokesman said: “We are comfortable that it is safe and the construction workers have no problems with it.

The work at the site

“As an organisation we do a lot of manual work and if staff feel uncomfortable on any site they are actively encouraged to let management know of any issues they think might be important. The contractors are still able to use the bridge.”

Building work started in July and is expected to be complete in the summer.

Last year, the group behind the hydro project – Osney Lock Hydro Ltd – raised £320,000 in 10 days by selling shares, largely to local residents.

Barbara Hammond, one of the people behind the project, said an issue was raised about the footbridge but it conformed to legislation and was being kept under review.

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